Asarum – Wild Gingers

Perfect for the shade garden, Asarum (Wild Ginger) includes about 70 species of evergreen or deciduous, rhizomatous perennials, most of which are native to north temperate areas. Mat-forming, they are used mainly as ground covers whose glossy heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves, often mottled with white or yellow, are incredibly eye-catching. Their common name comes from the ginger-like smell that arises from the roots when bruised or cut. Asarum are not culinary gingers.